In New Caledonia, the horse is king. There is one for every 20 inhabitants. From north to south, wild or domesticated, for competition or riding, horses are part of the archipelago's landscape. A few hours' ride between the mountain chain and the waterfront is one of the best ways to discover the true nature of the Caledonian bush.

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

Napoémien

The village of Poindimié, on the East Coast, has close to 20 tribes. Some live along the shoreline; others live in verdant valleys on the foothills of the central chain. This is the case for Napoemien Valley.

With its pretty small waterfalls, where it is good to cool off during the summer heat, and its welcoming tribe, Napoemien is certainly one of the most beautiful valleys on the East Coast.

Napoemien Valley

Voir plus

The mysterious petroglyphs

It is highly recommended to be guided by the famous "man in the hat", a guide whose reputation has largely crossed the crest of the Chain! He will take you to visit the mysterious petroglyphs which adorn the rock walls at the outskirts of the tribe or he will accompany you for a long hike of four hours leading to a magnificent panorama between sea and mountain!

Sharing in the tribe

You can also share the traditional bougna with the tribe or be initiated to countless medicinal properties of the flora of the Caledonian rainforest.